Broome Communities Mark National Night Out

Communities around Broome County are getting together to demonstrate resolve against crime August 2.

National Night Out events are planned at several locations with activities including food and music.

In the City of Binghamton, families are encouraged to gather between 5 and 8 p.m. at Recreation Park on the west side, Fairview Park on the east side and Cheri Lindsey Park on the north side.

In Johnson City, National Night Out activities feature creative artists, games, music, free snacks, and give-aways will be at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Endicott’s activities will be at Park Street in Endicott across from the police station from 6 to 8 p.m.

In addition to promoting police and community partnerships and better relations, residents are provided with information on improving their neighborhoods to protect against crime.

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At the National Night Out event at Cheri Lindsey Park, the Broome County Health Department will be on site to provide COVID-19 vaccines and the Pfizer pediatric COVID booster shot for children aged five to 11.

National Night Out began in 1984 with a request that neighbors turn on their porch lights for the night as a signal to the criminal element that illegal activities would not be tolerated as citizens stepped up to “take back the night.” According to Wikipedia, the initial event was observed in 400 communities in 23 states.

Events since then have grown to include all 50 states, usually on the first Tuesday of August, except in Texas where they hold their Night Out observances in October.

Activities can include cookouts, car shows, magicians, children's games, child ID stations and car seat inspections as well as other family-friendly ideas.